MSA confirms 2009 Rally of Great Britain

The Motor Sports Association, governing body of UK motor sport, has today confirmed its commitment to the UK's round of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship by agreeing to underwrite the cost of running the 2009 Rally of Great Britain that will be held in Wales from October 22nd to 25th.

The MSA has agreed this course of action, in spite of the Welsh Assembly Government's (WAG) recent unilateral and unwarranted decision to terminate its sponsorship contract for the event. The MSA's commercial subsidiary, International Motor Sports which organises the event, will continue to pursue vigorously its legal case against the Welsh Assembly.

"In recent years, the MSA has exercised prudent management of its finances to create a surplus in order to protect the sport against unforeseen circumstances," confirms Alan Gow, Chairman of both MSA and IMS. "Consequently, we have decided to underwrite this important and prestigious international event for the good of the sport, while continuing to pursue our extremely robust case against the Welsh Assembly Government for its breach of contract.

"IMS and everyone involved in Rally GB now have a very challenging period ahead to turn the event around in just four months. However, we are confident that the experience and professionalism of our people and clubs will make sure that this year's event is a great success."